THE OVERDUE WAIRUNA

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 6, 2 October 1917, Page 8

THE OVERDUE WAIRUNA

COURT OF INQUIRY. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, October 1. The Court of Inquiry in regard to the long qverdue steamer Wairuna was opened this morning-. Mr. Mays, counsel for the Crown, mentioned that tho vessel took a deck load of coal, as she had a long voyage, hut n permit .was issued only after a special survey by one of Lloyd's surveyors. Tho cargo consisted of kauri «um, hemp, pelts, copra, and, cocoa-, which, wlien carefully 6towed, involved no special risk. Thfc faots that lie had gathered showed a lamentable absence of precautß>n against enemy action. Apart from naval action, no precaution of any value iiad been taken locally to protect ships and crews leaving New Zealand. Ho had evidence in regard to the probability of enemy action up to a certain stage, and preparations were mado to get more. It might be necessary to hold this portion of the inquiry in camera, though if taken in open Court it might have the effect of rousing public oplniion as to the extraordinadv laxity on the part of shipowners in taking precautions for the safety of their eliips. When the Court had seen tho manifest of the Walruna, and the character of tho persons who shipped the cargo, it would come to the conclusion that something must be done to protect the ships. Mr. Mays also referred to the reports of mysterious boats that had been seen in tho Pacific. At this stage Mr. Mays intimated he had some important disclosures to make to the Court privately, nnd the Bench withdrew for consultation. On resuming it was announced that the Court would' adjourn iwtil 2 p.m,